Laura didn't hesitate. She was already heading for the door. She tried to find any other of the other members of the DigiDestineds, but no one was around. She sighed and pushed the door open. A cold blast of air hit her bare skin. Within the two hours that she had been at the gym, it had started to snow heavily.
Taking a deep, cold breathe Laura sprinted outside, despite having heels on. She didn't know where she was heading, but she had a good idea where to look first. Only if she had found Kari or someone. Then they could have alert the digimon. Laura thought about calling out to her uncle, for he had a sense of knowing when she needed him, but she was afraid of tipping off her stalker. She couldn't risk it, not with so many lives at stake.
The wind blew her free strands of hair into her face. She pushed them aside and continued her trek to the soccer field. She no longer felt cold, her angry and determination kept her warm. 'That or Digimon are cold blooded.'
Finally she reached her destination. She stopped at the top of the staircase. Through the blinding snow, she could make out shadowy figure. Without another hesitation, Laura picked up the hem of her gown and walked down the steps. She stopped well before the field though. Lucky squinted, in hope of making out the figure. Unfortunately, the blizzard that was raging around her prevented her from doing so.
"You came."
"Of course. You tried to ruin my life. I need to teach you a lesson." 'That sounds familiar.'
The figure moved towards Lucky. Lucky held her position, but at the same time, gingerly fingered the snowflake necklace around her neck. 'Oh Matt, please hear me. I need you.'
"What are you most scared of?"
"Not you, that is for sure."
The figure stop at the bottom of the steps. Only ten steps separated them now.
"Really? I find that hard to believe"
"You would. Now are we going to end this thing or not."
"In due time young Laura, but first I have a little surprise for you."
"Oh goodie. What is it time? Another virus? No that would be repetitive. So what is it?" Laura really wished that the snow would stop so she could see the figure's face.
Suddenly the stalker appeared in front of her face. It was Lady Myotismon.
************************************************************************
Matt managed to find Tai and fill him and Sora in on what Laura had told him.
"Do you think the final battle is going to happen now?"
"That's exactly what I think Sora."
"I'll go find the others. You two better go back to Lucky, she's probably flipping. I'll meet you at the doors."
With that, Sora ran into the crowd to find the other members of the DigiDestined.
"Come on Matt, let's go get Laura. Where did you leave her?"
"By the doors out of the gym."
"You told her not to leave right?"
"That was the first thing out of my mouth. Why?"
"Because she is not there."
"What! Where did she go? I told her not to move."
"I'll give you one guess where she is at."
"The soccer field. I'm going now. She'll need help."
Tai grabbed Matt before he could take two steps.
"Don't be stupid Matt. You're defenseless. At least she has her abilities to bail her out. But if you show up alone, that gives the stalker leverage over Lucky. We have to wait for our digimon." hissed Tai.
"I can't do that. The woman of my life is out there confront some unknown psycho by herself. I have to help."
"Don't you think I know that?" You can't be foolish though. If you go now, you ended up killing yourself and Laura!"
Matt sighed dejectedly. "You're right Tai. I'm sorry. I just really worried about her right now. Why didn't she wait though?"
"I don't know. She may not have had a choice."
Suddenly TK and the others popped in front of Tai and Matt.
"I just emailed Genni and our digimon. They'll be at the soccer field within two minutes. I don't know how, but Genni is going to teleport them there."
"Then let's go. Wait, where's Davis and Cody?"
"Trying to figure out a way to ditch their dates. Remember Tai, they're not DigiDestineds."
"SHIT. Sorry. That leaves us to members down."
"Well, brother, we'll just have to improvise until they get there. But I suggest we get moving. Every second we stand here yakking, Laura is alone with that monster."
"Right Kari. Let's move."
The team pushed up the door and found themselves in a white out. They only hoped that they could reach Laura before something horrible happened.
************************************************************************
"Surprise young Laura, I'm really back."
"Liar, you're eyes are blue. The real Lady Myotismon's were green. You're a fake."
The figure walked around Laura, slowly, taunting her. Hissing in her eyes. Laughing at her. Lucky found herself wishing she didn't leave the others behind. Then the stalker grabbed her wrist.
"Let go!"
The figure dragged Laura down the remainder of the steps. The snow had begun to change to ice. She feel the icy flakes pelt her skin. It didn't help matters when Lady Myotismon threw her into the snow.
"What do you want from me?"
"For you to suffer as I have."
"I have. You namesake murdered my family." Laura shot back, still sitting in the snow. 'This is just like my vision. My end is coming.'
"Liar, you murdered them. You nothing more than a cold blooded killer. And you shall pay for your deeds. Wisps of Darkness."
Black strands race out towards Lucky. She couldn't move. They were going to hit her.
*********************************************************************
Matt and other reached the field in time to hear Lady Myotismon call out "Wisp of Darkness."
The wisps shot out towards Laura who was sitting in the snow. Matt watched in horror. His girlfriend was about to die in front of him! "Laura! No!"
If Lucky heard him, she didn't acknowledge it. Instead she raise her left arm in front of her and then sliced it down in front of her body. "Silver Icicles."
Silver icicles flee out in front of her from where her arm had just been. The black wisps that had once threatened her and dissipated once Laura's attack hit it.
"No way." exclaimed Tai. "That was amazing."
"I think Ladies and Gentleman, we just witnessed Laura's defense abilities." said Izzy. "And is she powerful."
************************************************************************
Lucky stood up and brushed off the snow that clung to her dress."
"No! How did you do that? How do you know that attack was coming?"
"It was easy. I had a vision. I knew it was coming."
Her stalker screamed in rage. "How dare you. You will pay for that."
Lucky smiled. "I'd like to see you try. But if you don't mind, I think this dress gives you an unfair advantage. I need to change." With a snap of her fingers, her black dress was gone. Instead, she was wearing dark blue jeans, a purple shirt, and a silver waist length coat that tied at the waist as well. Her hair was still the same though. "That's better, now where were we?"
"You really think you can beat me don't you?"
"That I do."
Lady Myotismon paced the field, slowly as if she was stalking her prey. Waiting for the right moment to strike. "I believe I may have underestimated you abilities some."
Laura was shocked, but she didn't show it. 'No sense it letting her know that one. But if I heard right, she almost gave me a compliment there.'
"But I am still superior. You won't win."
'Key word being almost.' "You sound sure of yourself. Care to explain why."
"You're a child whose powers are undiscovered and underdeveloped. You are at your rookie stage so to speak while I am at my Mega."
Laura gave a small gulp. It was true. She was at her rookie level, power wise. And even if this stalker wasn't Lady Myotismon, her powers could be at the Mega or Ultimate level. Either way, she was screwed, big time.
************************************************************************
Mimi paced at the top of the bleachers with a worried look on her face. Their digimon hadn't arrived yet and it looked like that Laura was about to go at it with her "buddy."
Neither woman had noticed the group of worried and anxiously teenagers watching them from above.
"Where are they? I can't watch this anymore." exclaimed Yolei, burying in head into Ken.
"We're coming Yolei."
"Hawkmon! About time."
"What's going on? Where's Laura?"
"Down there Cubbiemon. She's holding her own, for now."
"I have to get down there. I have to protect her."
Gabumon stepped in front of her.
"Cubbie, you know you can't. We can't interfere until Lady Myotismon cheats or Lucky really needs our help."
"But… But…"
"He's right Cubbiemon. We just have to trust Laura and be her guardian digimon from afar." said Agumon.
"I failed her once and I promised myself that I would never let anything happen to her again."
"But she's a digimon too." argued Palmon. "She's one of us."
"I know, but she is still my partner. It is just instinct to feel protective toward her. You didn't see her when she was eight and the look of fear in her eyes, face, and movement. And you know what?"
"What?" asked the digimon and humans in unison.
"I still see the fear in her moments."
************************************************************************
Lucky tried to control her shaking. She couldn't let her stalker know she was afraid. That would be the worst thing right now. She couldn't let Lady Myotismon get any leverage on her.
"Bat Cluster!"
Laura had let her guard down and didn't have time to defend herself. She flipped out of the way. 'Can't fall asleep here. I'll be done for if I do.'
"How long do you really think you can cheat death Laura? I will win, it's only a matter time. Why not make it easier on yourself and just accept it."
"Never. Do you here me? NEVER!"
"Such a shame. But it's time to get this started. I do believe everyone has arrived now."
"What?"
Lady Myotismon didn't respond, but rather shot a bubble up towards the top of the stands.
"Oh no. Matt! Tai! Get out of the way!" Laura shouted as loud as she could. The wind however drowned out her voice. The group never saw the bubble coming.
The pink blob floated back down to the field. Tai and Matt were trying to break free, but nothing could break the bubble.
"Let them go."
"Okay." The bubble burst, dropping the others to the ground.
Laura shot her enemy a curious glance. Suddenly, Davis and Cody fell onto of the group too.
"So nice of you to join us young Davis, young Cody. Now I can destroy all of you at once. Nightmare Cyclone."
"SHIELD!"
A silver barrier surround the team. The attack simply bounced off the shield. "Leave my friends alone."
"Done. And now they will be no help to you as well."
"What? What do you mean."
"Do you know how to undo your spell over your friends?"
Laura gasped. She didn't.
"I thought as much. That is why I waited to till all of them were together with their digimon. I captured them in my containment bubble and brought them down here. After transport young Davis and Cody here, I attacked them, knowing fully well that you would protect them with your shield. I also knew that you wouldn't know how to do it. So for now, your friends are trapped, unable to help you. Ready to battle?"
"Bring it."
************************************************************************
"Paw Swipes."
The attack did nothing to the silver wall.
"We're trapped, aren't we?" asked Kari.
"If what that impersonator says is true, then yeah." said Ken.
"NO! I refuse to leave Laura out there fighting by herself."
"Matt, calm down. As much as I hate to say it, we have too. We can't get out of this. Laura is the only one who can let down the shield and she doesn't know how."
"Guys, we have a bigger problem at the moment."
"What's that Izzy?"
"The prophecy. Laura is going to fall very soon. We have to figure out a way to help her from in here."
"What can we do?"
"Until the time comes, I don't know. But I do know one thing. We underestimated this opponent. She knew exactly what we were planning."
"How though? How did she know?"
"I don't know Sora."
"Laura did say this was a personal battle, like she was bonded to her stalker. Maybe her stalker felt the same thing." said TK.
"Possible. The only thing I know is that we are now trapped in here and Lucky is on her own with only her basic defense skills at her disposal."
************************************************************************
Laura stood tall in her position. She knew she in some trouble. 'I managed to break the first rule of knowing your enemy, never underestimate them. I guess I should start this show.'
"Deep Freeze"
Her stalker flipped over her attack and landed right in front of her. Lucky dropped and leaned on one leg and extended her other around her stalker's leg and spun. The impersonator fell to the ground with a loud thud. Laura was back on her feet in seconds.
"Very nice. Now lets see how you hand this one. Bat Cluster."
"Silver Icicles."
While the icicles managed to stop some of the bats, others didn't. One of the bats slammed into her chest and sent her flying backwards. 'Ouch. Mistake number two.'
She wouldn't quit though. She would win. Slowly she climbed to her feet.
"I must admit young Laura, your determination is exceptionable. But it won't help you. But before I destroy, I will grant you your wish."
"The one where you disappear and never come back?"
"No, I will show you my true identity. You where quite right in your belief that I wasn't Lady Myotismon. In fact, I am not. I thought I had you fooled that I was truly her, but your insight proved to be keen and sharp."
"Then who are you and how can you manipulate her attacks like that?"
"It is quite easy really, since it is my ability that allows me to do so. But now, like the phoenix, I rise again."
'What does that mean?'
Suddenly a midnight blue light appeared around her stalker. If it wasn't for the snow, Laura wasn't sure if she would have ever seen the light. When it disappear, a young man, around the age eighteen stood in its place. He was tall, around 6'1, and clad in a gray sweater and black pants. His blond hair was short and some hung in front of his crystal blue eyes.
A memory popped into Laura's mind.
The eye color was wrong. Lady Myotismon had intense green eyes. This stalker had blue. Bright crystal blue eyes.
You sound confident enough, so I won't ask you if you saw wrong. Now do you remember any other digimon with blue eyes that could be out to harm you?"
Cubbiemon has bluish eyes like me, but she wouldn't harm me. One of the Grey Emperors had blue eyes, but they were much darker. But he wouldn't know how mom and dad died. The funny thing is, I can't recall anyone having this shade of blue eyes except Matt, my brother, and TK.
Laura raised her head to face the young man in front of her. Her emotion were all mixed up now.
"Nick?"
Taking a deep, cold breathe Laura sprinted outside, despite having heels on. She didn't know where she was heading, but she had a good idea where to look first. Only if she had found Kari or someone. Then they could have alert the digimon. Laura thought about calling out to her uncle, for he had a sense of knowing when she needed him, but she was afraid of tipping off her stalker. She couldn't risk it, not with so many lives at stake.
The wind blew her free strands of hair into her face. She pushed them aside and continued her trek to the soccer field. She no longer felt cold, her angry and determination kept her warm. 'That or Digimon are cold blooded.'
Finally she reached her destination. She stopped at the top of the staircase. Through the blinding snow, she could make out shadowy figure. Without another hesitation, Laura picked up the hem of her gown and walked down the steps. She stopped well before the field though. Lucky squinted, in hope of making out the figure. Unfortunately, the blizzard that was raging around her prevented her from doing so.
"You came."
"Of course. You tried to ruin my life. I need to teach you a lesson." 'That sounds familiar.'
The figure moved towards Lucky. Lucky held her position, but at the same time, gingerly fingered the snowflake necklace around her neck. 'Oh Matt, please hear me. I need you.'
"What are you most scared of?"
"Not you, that is for sure."
The figure stop at the bottom of the steps. Only ten steps separated them now.
"Really? I find that hard to believe"
"You would. Now are we going to end this thing or not."
"In due time young Laura, but first I have a little surprise for you."
"Oh goodie. What is it time? Another virus? No that would be repetitive. So what is it?" Laura really wished that the snow would stop so she could see the figure's face.
Suddenly the stalker appeared in front of her face. It was Lady Myotismon.
************************************************************************
Matt managed to find Tai and fill him and Sora in on what Laura had told him.
"Do you think the final battle is going to happen now?"
"That's exactly what I think Sora."
"I'll go find the others. You two better go back to Lucky, she's probably flipping. I'll meet you at the doors."
With that, Sora ran into the crowd to find the other members of the DigiDestined.
"Come on Matt, let's go get Laura. Where did you leave her?"
"By the doors out of the gym."
"You told her not to leave right?"
"That was the first thing out of my mouth. Why?"
"Because she is not there."
"What! Where did she go? I told her not to move."
"I'll give you one guess where she is at."
"The soccer field. I'm going now. She'll need help."
Tai grabbed Matt before he could take two steps.
"Don't be stupid Matt. You're defenseless. At least she has her abilities to bail her out. But if you show up alone, that gives the stalker leverage over Lucky. We have to wait for our digimon." hissed Tai.
"I can't do that. The woman of my life is out there confront some unknown psycho by herself. I have to help."
"Don't you think I know that?" You can't be foolish though. If you go now, you ended up killing yourself and Laura!"
Matt sighed dejectedly. "You're right Tai. I'm sorry. I just really worried about her right now. Why didn't she wait though?"
"I don't know. She may not have had a choice."
Suddenly TK and the others popped in front of Tai and Matt.
"I just emailed Genni and our digimon. They'll be at the soccer field within two minutes. I don't know how, but Genni is going to teleport them there."
"Then let's go. Wait, where's Davis and Cody?"
"Trying to figure out a way to ditch their dates. Remember Tai, they're not DigiDestineds."
"SHIT. Sorry. That leaves us to members down."
"Well, brother, we'll just have to improvise until they get there. But I suggest we get moving. Every second we stand here yakking, Laura is alone with that monster."
"Right Kari. Let's move."
The team pushed up the door and found themselves in a white out. They only hoped that they could reach Laura before something horrible happened.
************************************************************************
"Surprise young Laura, I'm really back."
"Liar, you're eyes are blue. The real Lady Myotismon's were green. You're a fake."
The figure walked around Laura, slowly, taunting her. Hissing in her eyes. Laughing at her. Lucky found herself wishing she didn't leave the others behind. Then the stalker grabbed her wrist.
"Let go!"
The figure dragged Laura down the remainder of the steps. The snow had begun to change to ice. She feel the icy flakes pelt her skin. It didn't help matters when Lady Myotismon threw her into the snow.
"What do you want from me?"
"For you to suffer as I have."
"I have. You namesake murdered my family." Laura shot back, still sitting in the snow. 'This is just like my vision. My end is coming.'
"Liar, you murdered them. You nothing more than a cold blooded killer. And you shall pay for your deeds. Wisps of Darkness."
Black strands race out towards Lucky. She couldn't move. They were going to hit her.
*********************************************************************
Matt and other reached the field in time to hear Lady Myotismon call out "Wisp of Darkness."
The wisps shot out towards Laura who was sitting in the snow. Matt watched in horror. His girlfriend was about to die in front of him! "Laura! No!"
If Lucky heard him, she didn't acknowledge it. Instead she raise her left arm in front of her and then sliced it down in front of her body. "Silver Icicles."
Silver icicles flee out in front of her from where her arm had just been. The black wisps that had once threatened her and dissipated once Laura's attack hit it.
"No way." exclaimed Tai. "That was amazing."
"I think Ladies and Gentleman, we just witnessed Laura's defense abilities." said Izzy. "And is she powerful."
************************************************************************
Lucky stood up and brushed off the snow that clung to her dress."
"No! How did you do that? How do you know that attack was coming?"
"It was easy. I had a vision. I knew it was coming."
Her stalker screamed in rage. "How dare you. You will pay for that."
Lucky smiled. "I'd like to see you try. But if you don't mind, I think this dress gives you an unfair advantage. I need to change." With a snap of her fingers, her black dress was gone. Instead, she was wearing dark blue jeans, a purple shirt, and a silver waist length coat that tied at the waist as well. Her hair was still the same though. "That's better, now where were we?"
"You really think you can beat me don't you?"
"That I do."
Lady Myotismon paced the field, slowly as if she was stalking her prey. Waiting for the right moment to strike. "I believe I may have underestimated you abilities some."
Laura was shocked, but she didn't show it. 'No sense it letting her know that one. But if I heard right, she almost gave me a compliment there.'
"But I am still superior. You won't win."
'Key word being almost.' "You sound sure of yourself. Care to explain why."
"You're a child whose powers are undiscovered and underdeveloped. You are at your rookie stage so to speak while I am at my Mega."
Laura gave a small gulp. It was true. She was at her rookie level, power wise. And even if this stalker wasn't Lady Myotismon, her powers could be at the Mega or Ultimate level. Either way, she was screwed, big time.
************************************************************************
Mimi paced at the top of the bleachers with a worried look on her face. Their digimon hadn't arrived yet and it looked like that Laura was about to go at it with her "buddy."
Neither woman had noticed the group of worried and anxiously teenagers watching them from above.
"Where are they? I can't watch this anymore." exclaimed Yolei, burying in head into Ken.
"We're coming Yolei."
"Hawkmon! About time."
"What's going on? Where's Laura?"
"Down there Cubbiemon. She's holding her own, for now."
"I have to get down there. I have to protect her."
Gabumon stepped in front of her.
"Cubbie, you know you can't. We can't interfere until Lady Myotismon cheats or Lucky really needs our help."
"But… But…"
"He's right Cubbiemon. We just have to trust Laura and be her guardian digimon from afar." said Agumon.
"I failed her once and I promised myself that I would never let anything happen to her again."
"But she's a digimon too." argued Palmon. "She's one of us."
"I know, but she is still my partner. It is just instinct to feel protective toward her. You didn't see her when she was eight and the look of fear in her eyes, face, and movement. And you know what?"
"What?" asked the digimon and humans in unison.
"I still see the fear in her moments."
************************************************************************
Lucky tried to control her shaking. She couldn't let her stalker know she was afraid. That would be the worst thing right now. She couldn't let Lady Myotismon get any leverage on her.
"Bat Cluster!"
Laura had let her guard down and didn't have time to defend herself. She flipped out of the way. 'Can't fall asleep here. I'll be done for if I do.'
"How long do you really think you can cheat death Laura? I will win, it's only a matter time. Why not make it easier on yourself and just accept it."
"Never. Do you here me? NEVER!"
"Such a shame. But it's time to get this started. I do believe everyone has arrived now."
"What?"
Lady Myotismon didn't respond, but rather shot a bubble up towards the top of the stands.
"Oh no. Matt! Tai! Get out of the way!" Laura shouted as loud as she could. The wind however drowned out her voice. The group never saw the bubble coming.
The pink blob floated back down to the field. Tai and Matt were trying to break free, but nothing could break the bubble.
"Let them go."
"Okay." The bubble burst, dropping the others to the ground.
Laura shot her enemy a curious glance. Suddenly, Davis and Cody fell onto of the group too.
"So nice of you to join us young Davis, young Cody. Now I can destroy all of you at once. Nightmare Cyclone."
"SHIELD!"
A silver barrier surround the team. The attack simply bounced off the shield. "Leave my friends alone."
"Done. And now they will be no help to you as well."
"What? What do you mean."
"Do you know how to undo your spell over your friends?"
Laura gasped. She didn't.
"I thought as much. That is why I waited to till all of them were together with their digimon. I captured them in my containment bubble and brought them down here. After transport young Davis and Cody here, I attacked them, knowing fully well that you would protect them with your shield. I also knew that you wouldn't know how to do it. So for now, your friends are trapped, unable to help you. Ready to battle?"
"Bring it."
************************************************************************
"Paw Swipes."
The attack did nothing to the silver wall.
"We're trapped, aren't we?" asked Kari.
"If what that impersonator says is true, then yeah." said Ken.
"NO! I refuse to leave Laura out there fighting by herself."
"Matt, calm down. As much as I hate to say it, we have too. We can't get out of this. Laura is the only one who can let down the shield and she doesn't know how."
"Guys, we have a bigger problem at the moment."
"What's that Izzy?"
"The prophecy. Laura is going to fall very soon. We have to figure out a way to help her from in here."
"What can we do?"
"Until the time comes, I don't know. But I do know one thing. We underestimated this opponent. She knew exactly what we were planning."
"How though? How did she know?"
"I don't know Sora."
"Laura did say this was a personal battle, like she was bonded to her stalker. Maybe her stalker felt the same thing." said TK.
"Possible. The only thing I know is that we are now trapped in here and Lucky is on her own with only her basic defense skills at her disposal."
************************************************************************
Laura stood tall in her position. She knew she in some trouble. 'I managed to break the first rule of knowing your enemy, never underestimate them. I guess I should start this show.'
"Deep Freeze"
Her stalker flipped over her attack and landed right in front of her. Lucky dropped and leaned on one leg and extended her other around her stalker's leg and spun. The impersonator fell to the ground with a loud thud. Laura was back on her feet in seconds.
"Very nice. Now lets see how you hand this one. Bat Cluster."
"Silver Icicles."
While the icicles managed to stop some of the bats, others didn't. One of the bats slammed into her chest and sent her flying backwards. 'Ouch. Mistake number two.'
She wouldn't quit though. She would win. Slowly she climbed to her feet.
"I must admit young Laura, your determination is exceptionable. But it won't help you. But before I destroy, I will grant you your wish."
"The one where you disappear and never come back?"
"No, I will show you my true identity. You where quite right in your belief that I wasn't Lady Myotismon. In fact, I am not. I thought I had you fooled that I was truly her, but your insight proved to be keen and sharp."
"Then who are you and how can you manipulate her attacks like that?"
"It is quite easy really, since it is my ability that allows me to do so. But now, like the phoenix, I rise again."
'What does that mean?'
Suddenly a midnight blue light appeared around her stalker. If it wasn't for the snow, Laura wasn't sure if she would have ever seen the light. When it disappear, a young man, around the age eighteen stood in its place. He was tall, around 6'1, and clad in a gray sweater and black pants. His blond hair was short and some hung in front of his crystal blue eyes.
A memory popped into Laura's mind.
The eye color was wrong. Lady Myotismon had intense green eyes. This stalker had blue. Bright crystal blue eyes.
You sound confident enough, so I won't ask you if you saw wrong. Now do you remember any other digimon with blue eyes that could be out to harm you?"
Cubbiemon has bluish eyes like me, but she wouldn't harm me. One of the Grey Emperors had blue eyes, but they were much darker. But he wouldn't know how mom and dad died. The funny thing is, I can't recall anyone having this shade of blue eyes except Matt, my brother, and TK.
Laura raised her head to face the young man in front of her. Her emotion were all mixed up now.
"Nick?"